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Intuit's Quicken Deluxe 2002 ($59.95 list) and Microsoft Money 2002 Deluxe ($64.95 list) are still better than personal-finance Web sites at some things. Software is slowly bridging the gap between the desktop and the WebMicrosoft's product much more than Intuit's.

Both packages do a stellar job at helping you organize your finances, manage banking and bill-paying tasks (desktop-based and online), and plan for the future. Both pull together functions in task-related home pages (taxes, investing, and so on), but Money is a bit more customizable in this. Money also has an edge in its consolidated planning tools; Quicken's are less integrated. Both are competent investment managers; they help you track your holdings and plan for taxes, and they exchange data with like tools on their Web sites. And each program is easy to learn and use, though Money's help system is simpler.

Each has its own strengths, but Money claims most of the distinguishing differences. For example, a meticulous setup tool helps you enter all your significant background data up front. Most of Money's might this year, though, lies in its Web connections. A new feature called Background Banking downloads statements, stock quotes, and other pertinent data from your bank or brokereven if Money isn't running. The MoneySide tool is a pane that opens next to your browser and gives you access to some of your Money data when you're shopping or performing banking or investment tasks. Some information (such as your credit card numbers when you're shopping) can be dragged and dropped directly onto Web sites.

Both Quicken and Money have matured well. And though there are Web sites that provide some of the functions the software offers, no site ties it together as well. (Intuit Inc., www.quicken2002.com. Microsoft Corp., www.microsoft.com/money.)

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